Perth's off-grid electric trucks slash emissions with solar-powered freight revolution

Centurion’s Off-Grid Battery Electric Vehicle Project is now fully running in Perth. The initiative aims to cut emissions from heavy-duty trucks, which produce nearly 20 million tonnes of CO₂ equivalent each year in Australia. Developed with support from the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA), the project has received $15.8 million in funding to drive its success. The project supports 30 electric trucks, including 25 rigid vehicles and 5 prime movers. These run entirely on solar power and battery storage, with hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) as a backup in emergencies. The charging system operates off-grid, ensuring no reliance on fossil fuels.

Janus Electric has played a key role in the transition. The company has already converted around 30 trucks to electric and completed over 3,500 battery swaps. These vehicles have collectively travelled more than 600,000 kilometres in commercial freight operations. A prime mover conversion takes just six days and costs AU$175,000—far less than replacing a diesel engine.

With over 100 binding orders in progress, Janus Electric is pushing for faster adoption. The company has proposed three policy changes to speed up the shift to electric trucks across Australia. Centurion has highlighted the project as a major step forward in its plan to reduce carbon emissions. The project demonstrates a practical way to lower emissions from heavy transport. By using solar energy and fast battery swaps, it offers a cleaner alternative to diesel trucks. Centurion and its partners continue to expand the initiative, aiming for broader adoption in Australia’s freight industry.